Our reporter
A socio-political group in Benin has warned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to steer clear of Edo politics, particularly the Edo South Senatorial District, ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing alleged attempts to influence the zone’s senatorial ticket as unacceptable external interference.
The group, Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide, issued the caution on Wednesday amid reports that a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, has been pencilled down as the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Edo South.
In a statement signed by its President, Mr Iyamu Osaro, and Assistant Secretary, Mr Ewere Uhunoma, the group alleged that the purported arrangement was midwifed by Mr Wike during the build-up to the election of Senator Monday Okpebholo as Governor of Edo State, a process they claimed involved the backing of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The group strongly rejected what it described as “compensation politics disguised as representation”, insisting that Edo South would not accept any candidate imposed through skewed political deals.
According to the statement, Ogbeide-Ihama’s political conduct during the 2020 Edo State governorship election disqualifies him from representing the district in the Senate. The group accused him of abandoning his own gubernatorial ambition at a critical moment to support the re-election bid of former governor Godwin Obaseki, an action it said many in Edo South regarded as a betrayal of trust.
They further alleged that Ogbeide-Ihama failed to take a clear position during controversies surrounding the custody and ownership of returned stolen artefacts linked to Benin heritage, arguing that such silence raised questions about his commitment to cultural respect and advocacy.
“Available facts indicate that Nyesom Wike is the person projecting Ogbeide-Ihama, and he lacks the moral and political ground within Edo South to impose or nominate a senatorial candidate,” the statement read.
The group warned that Edo South should not be treated as “a political field for external experimentation”, adding that any attempt to foist what it termed an “unacceptable” candidate on the district would amount to a repeat of ineffective representation.
“The Edo South senatorial ticket must never be reduced to a consolation prize or political compensation,” the group said, stressing that it must be earned by individuals committed to justice, accountability, cultural respect and genuine service to the people.
Describing Edo South as politically conscious and historically grounded, the group cautioned that any move to impose what it called an unfit candidate would be resisted and ultimately fail, urging Mr Wike, Ogbeide-Ihama and all alleged promoters of the plan to abandon it immediately.
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